My wedding is in two months. I was just informed via text that one of my bridesmaids (a good friend) can't afford to be in my wedding. While I can totally respect that you can't afford to be in a wedding, I feel that you should say something in the beginning or as soon as you know. She went in for a dress fiting about a month or so ago and did not mention any of this. Now, I am short a bridesmaid and now have an extra groomsman. I have purchased all of my bridal party gifts, some of which are personalized; therefore, they cannot be returned. I made the bridal bouquets and cannot return them either (about $150 each), Had I known the money was an issue, I likely would've opted to wait on designing her bouquet and not ordered personalized gifts.
There is a little bit more to this story. When I got engaged, we were best friends. We worked together and hung out every weekend. About a month after my engagement, she broke up with my brother and immediately started dating someone else. We maintained our friendship; however, it is not nearly what it was last year. I have seen her a total of 5 times since the break-up. With that said, I don't know if the issue is really lack of money or concern about the awkwardness of the wedding. She is about to see my family, mutual friends (my brother's), etc. I also wonder if this is a decision made my her current boyfriend. She has not been acting like herself lately.
So with that...I am not sure what to do. I love my friend, dearly. I have always dreamed of her being in my wedding. I am so hurt because I feel like...you would do anything to be in your good friend's wedding. I feel like I am losing my friend.
Do I offer to purchase her dress? How do I know she can come up with the money for the other things? Do I assume this is a mixture of awkwardness and money, and just let it go?